25-gauge histology needle versus 22-gauge cytology needle in endoscopic ultrasonography-guided sampling of pancreatic lesions and lymphadenopathy.

Background And Study Aims: A new 25-gauge (G) endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration (EUS-FNA) device (EchoTip ProCore; Cook Medical, Bloomington, Indiana, USA) has been developed, which features a hollowed-out reverse bevel to trap core samples. However, data on the differences between the diagnostic yield of the 25G EchoTip ProCore and that of a 22G standard needle are limited.

Patients And Methods: This pilot study included 27 patients referred during an 11-month period for EUS-FNA of pancreatic masses and enlarged lymph nodes adjacent to the upper gastrointestinal tract.

Expanding the horizons of endoscopic ultrasound: diagnosis of non-digestive pathologies.

Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) is mainly used for the evaluation and sampling of mediastinal and abdominal lymph nodes, luminal and submucosal lesions of the upper and lower gastrointestinal tract, as well as in the diagnostic approach for pancreatic, biliary and liver disease. However, several non-digestive pathologies may be encountered as well, expanding the diagnostic potential of EUS. In this article, we present nine examples of extra-digestive abnormalities detected by means of EUS, including pathologies of the thyroid gland, mediastinal and abdominal vessels, lungs, kidney and the urinary bladder.